Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a must-try recipe that brings tropical flavors to your table. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The sweet and savory marinade is quick to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy delicious, juicy chicken in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The marinade takes just minutes to whip up, making this recipe perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: With its blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, each bite bursts with tropical flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on its own or alongside rice, salads, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for gatherings, this recipe serves up to ten people, making it great for parties or family feasts.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Ziplock bag
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect grill marks on the chicken.
• Whisk: Helps combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked safely and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Grilled Huli Huli Chicken dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

For the Marinade

• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

For Garnish

• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2. 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
3. ½ cup soy sauce
4. ½ cup brown sugar
5. ⅓ cup ketchup
6. ¼ cup chicken broth
7. 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
8. 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting later.
2. Add the remaining marinade along with the chicken thighs into a ziplock bag.
3. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
3. Grill with the lid closed for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until there is no pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

This easy-to-follow recipe provides delicious Grilled Huli Huli Chicken that will surely become a favorite in your household! Enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a casual lunch. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Tropical Salad

• A fresh salad made with mixed greens, mango, and avocado provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.

Serve with Coconut Rice

• This creamy side dish made with coconut milk complements the sweetness of the chicken and adds a delightful texture.

Accompany with Grilled Vegetables

• Colorful grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn add nutrition and flavor while enhancing the presentation on your plate.

Add Pineapple Salsa

• A zesty pineapple salsa mixed with cilantro and lime juice can elevate the dish, adding a bright and tangy flavor.

Use as a Filling for Tacos

• Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in taco shells topped with slaw and avocado for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

Garnish with Green Onions

• Freshly sliced green onions not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

To achieve perfectly grilled Huli Huli Chicken, follow these simple tips. They will ensure your chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.

• Marinate Longer: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is at medium heat before placing the chicken on it. This helps in achieving nice grill marks and prevents sticking.
• Baste While Grilling: Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken during grilling. This adds moisture and intensifies flavors as it cooks.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Let It Rest: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for a more succulent bite.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Don’t hesitate to try different garnishes like cilantro or lime wedges for added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some wonderful options that complement its sweet and savory flavors.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly flavored rice that absorbs sauces well; steam until fluffy for an ideal accompaniment.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing adds crunch and balances richness.
3. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option with quinoa, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a light side full of texture.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter or olive oil enhances any barbecue spread; grill until charred for extra flavor.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create comfort on your plate while balancing bold flavors from the chicken.
7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar is light yet flavorful, providing balance alongside hearty dishes.
8. Black Bean Salad: A hearty mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and spices offers protein-packed goodness that complements grilled meats well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Huli Huli Chicken, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not marinating long enough: Marinating the chicken for less than three hours can lead to a lack of flavor. Aim for at least three hours or, preferably, overnight for the best results.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Skimping on ingredients like soy sauce or pineapple juice can affect the taste. Always use high-quality products for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken past its internal temperature of 165°F can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Neglecting to baste: Forgetting to baste the chicken while grilling can result in uneven flavor. Reserve some marinade and baste during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Skipping garnishes: Not adding garnishes like sliced green onions can make your dish look less appealing. A simple garnish enhances presentation and adds freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Grilled Huli Huli Chicken can last up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat chicken until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking often, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Huli Huli Chicken:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster than thighs.

What is the best way to serve Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

Serve it with rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. The flavors pair well with tropical sides.

How spicy is Grilled Huli Huli Chicken?

This recipe is not spicy; it focuses on sweet and savory flavors. If you like heat, consider adding chili flakes or fresh peppers to the marinade.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight and grill it right before serving. It’s great for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is not only flavorful but also versatile. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing dinner for your family, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or served alongside various sides!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x

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Description

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical delight that brings the flavors of Hawaii right to your backyard. This easy-to-make dish features succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger. Perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners, this recipe will impress even the toughest critics at your table. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Serve it alongside coconut rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that captures the essence of summer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for basting. Place the remaining marinade with the chicken in a ziplock bag and seal tightly.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Baste with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (85g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg